SHAUN DERRY WINS SKY BET LEAGUE TWO MANAGER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

SHAUN DERRY SWOOPS TO WIN LEAGUE TWO MANAGER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for December.

Derry led the U’s to three wins and a draw during the final month of 2015, to guide the U’s from 15th in the division to within one point of the play-off places.

An impressive 2-1 away win over table toppers Plymouth Argyle kicked off December, with further wins over Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge following, as well as a solid point against Mansfield Town at the Abbey Stadium prior to Christmas.

Derry said: “I’m absolutely delighted and I have loved every minute of my time at Cambridge United. Hopefully it is a great start for plenty more fond days to come.

“The Plymouth match is certainly my highlight of the month. We managed to produce an accomplished display and I was really pleased with the performance, especially at a place where it’s never easy to play particularly given they are a top three side.

“That certainly made the seven hour journey back to Cambridge far more enjoyable with the three points in the bag.”

He continued: “This is a great accomplishment for everybody at the club.

“During my two months here we have all worked very closely, right through from the coaching staff, the players, the administration team, the board and the fans. We are all behind each other and so the award is for everybody.”

Former Ipswich Town Manager George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel. He said: “Shaun has made a great start at his new club, gaining three wins and a draw during December.

“He lead the club to an outstanding win at leaders Plymouth Argyle which has taken Cambridge United back towards the Play-Off places.”

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Shaun Derry’s introduction at Cambridge has already begun to pay dividends, as he dragged the team from 18th in November to sit tenth going into the New Year.

“The board knew that it was a risk to appoint a relatively inexperienced manager, but Derry is repaying their faith and must now be aiming for a top 7 finish.”

In the Sky Bet Championship, Aitor Karanka of Middlesbrough was named Manager of the Month.

The Sky Bet League 1 Manager of the Month Award went to Nigel Adkins of Sheffield United.